With autumn firmly taking hold of the British weather, many are turning their attention to a winter sun getaway with hot sun, palm fringed beaches and several days away from the wet and cold of home. And who can blame them given Saturday’s headline in the Daily Express hinted at the worst UK winter for decades, with record snowfall predicted in the weeks ahead?

So, if you fancy planning a holiday to escape the chill, save on your heating bills, and give yourself a touch of paradise, here, we round up five fantastic destinations.

1. Maldives

With more than 1,000 islands, this Indian Ocean gem lies off the south western tip of India and is a firm favourite with those who want to fly in and switch off from everyday life.

If you want to avoid being in a busy resort, you’ll be pleased to hear that holidays to the Maldives are hotel based, quiet and relaxed. Most hotels are located on their own individual islands, which form larger atolls or groups of islands. And many of those hotels are high end, with a range of facilities from water sports to spas, tennis courts to restaurants and bars. Every island is surrounded by clear blue sparkling waters and coral reefs and lagoons teeming with fish, ideal for snorkelling and water sports.

Flying time is around 10 to 12 hours, dependent on whether you are on a direct flight or travelling via a hub airport such as Dubai. Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with temperatures in the high 20s throughout the winter period, with the sea at the same level of heat, making it feel like a warm bath. And while it may have winter rains, these are showers that come and go and don’t affect days of lazing on the beach reading a book.

If you want that extra touch of paradise, then many hotels can offer private romantic dining on your own beach or rooms built on stilts above the gently lapping waters. It’s not the cheapest of winter breaks though, with one week bed and breakfast starting from around £800 to £900 upwards, including flights and transfers.

2. Goa

Fancy the Indian Ocean but looking to do it a little cheaper? Then head to Goa, which has a range of direct charter flights reaching this Portuguese influenced slice of India in around 10 hours from the UK. With great value packages on offer, many have found this destination perfect for a winter break.

It’s rarely less than 32 degrees throughout the winter months and the soft sands lined with coconut palms lead inland to scenery which includes Hindu temples, European-style architecture in the old city of Goa, and fantastic waterfalls such as those at Dudhsagar.

The hotels are strung along the coast, north and south of Panjim, with many being on the beach front. Opting for bed and breakfast will allow you to eat out in many of the fantastic local restaurants. Northern resorts focus on culture with markets and lots to do, whereas the southern resorts are far quieter.

Holidays start from around £450 a week for bed and breakfast on a late deal.

3. Thailand

One of the most popular destinations in the Far East, and one of TravelSupermarket’s most searched locations for a holiday or flight, Thailand certainly delivers year after year as an excellent destination for winter sun.

Whether you want to experience the holiday beaches of Phuket and the nearby Phi Phi Islands (made infamous by the film The Beach starring Leonardo di Caprio), the bustle and culture of the capital Bangkok, or the northern areas of the Golden Triangle in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with their national parks, hiking, trekking and wildlife, a holiday here is not just a beach paradise delight, but also a holiday of exploration and education.

Other great beach areas are Koh Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin and Pattaya. And new for this winter is a direct charter with TUI to Phuket from Gatwick.

A week on a beach resort in Thailand can start from as little as £600 per person on a room only basis.

4. Florida

Florida may not strike you as the most obvious place for a paradise beach holiday destination, but head to the Caribbean coast or the Florida Keys and you are a world away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and her theme parks and Miami and her jet set.

Clearwater, St Petersburg and Naples all offer wide, long and sandy beaches, with plenty of space to escape and make it your own little hideaway.

The Keys are a series of islands at the bottom of the Highway 1 ending at Key West with its bohemian party atmosphere. Along the route there are plenty of places to stop and have a beach to yourself without giving up the modern day, such as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

5. Caribbean

You can’t mention winter paradise without talking about the Caribbean. Each island has its own character and in each destination you can find hotels to get away from the world and escape into paradise. Big hitters like Barbados and Jamaica offer a huge range of accommodation choice and plenty to see and do.

However, it is some of the smaller and quieter islands that offer the closest to paradise perfection. A personal favourite is Antigua. Despite being a small island, there are 365 beaches to choose from, so there is sure to be one you can claim as your own for the day. And St John, lying off the east coast of St Thomas, is in a national park and you can lie on the beach, swim with turtles and relax to your heart’s content.

Aruba is another island with great beaches, such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, for topping up the tan or doing some serious water sports.

A week in the Caribbean can start from as little as £700 a week in November on a room only basis in Barbados.

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